Rajasthan 10: Sonar Quila of Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives its name. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill, and has been the scene of many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby camouflaging the fort in the yellow desert. For this reason, it is also known as the “Golden Fort”.

Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest in Rajasthan. Two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by imposing crenellated sandstone wall 30 feet high; it has 99 bastions, 92 of which were built between 1633 and 1647. Wells within the fort still provide a regular source of water. Even today, you will find that nearly one fourth of the old city’s population resides within the fort. If you are a student of cross-cultural merging, the subtle fusion of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles, visible in this fort, will catch your fancy. Ganesh Pol, Akshya Pol, Suraj Pol and Hawa Pol are a must see.

Conservationists feel that the Jaisalmer Fort requires major interventions by the government authorities to save it from irrevocable damages. Carrying out restoration works in an ancient structure like the Jaisalmer Fort is in itself a challenge, but doing so while addressing the needs of almost 3,000 people who reside inside it and depend upon it for their livelihood poses a complex range of issues.

Mahesh Patil

Staunch believer of "design thinking" Mahesh is one of the few design professionals who fearlessly crosses over onto the traditional boundaries of design & business. Mahesh has lead and mentored many teams to create break through innovative and award winning design solutions. Mahesh is an innovative and award-winning designer who is an expert in the area of start ups & blue sky projects. Having cut his teeth in digital media in the 1990's while working on brands including Unilever and ICICI Bank, he has spent the new millennium crusading for a unified path to conversion. A staunch advocate of the "Design thinking", Mahesh's background presents seasoned experience harnessing imagination and innovation to deliver truly inspiring and effective design solutions for a wide array of products, brands and industries. His mix of agency, vendor and brand experience makes him uniquely qualified to create and manage projects of any size and profile. Mahesh's successes include: innovative digital engagements, portal designs, UX design & Innovation He matches this experience with the ability to toggle between a mentor and a task master. Indeed, Mahesh has the hands-on experience transforming strategy into results that your brands deserve.

The Book of the Life and Times of the LOCAL HERO of the Province of Dinagat Islands, Philippines, DIVINE MASTER RUBEN E. ECLEO, SR. Supreme President & Founder of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Incorporated